Scripts: Strangers on a Train (18/Oct/1950) - part 7
DISSOLVE TO:
LONG SHOT FOREST HILL STADIUM
Grouped. A game is in progress.
MED. SHOT A TERRACE NEAR THE MAIN STADIUM (PROCESS)
where people get refreshments. There are various table with
umbrellas.
MED. SHOT AT ONE OF TABLE (PROCESS)
Anne and Guy are seated at the table.
ANNE
...And he said that if the police
found your lighter there, that's all
they'd need -- something to prove
you were at the scene of the murder.
GUY
(grimly)
That big lie about my wanting him to
get it back means he's going to put
my lighter on that island!
ANNE
(urgently)
Guy, you'll have to get there before
he does. You won't have time to
play, You'd better tell them.
(she nods her head in
the direction of the
center court)
GUY
Darling, if that loudspeaker announces
that I'm not going to play, Hennessy
bound to be suspicious He'd keep me
from ever getting near Metcalf.
ANNE
Then I'll go.
GUY
(quickly)
No, darling.
(he puts his hand on
hers and speaks
firmly, with concern
for her safety as
well as for his own
situation)
You stay right here and help me give
Hennessy the slip after the match.
ANNE
But, Guy, that'll be too late!
GUY
(getting a thought)
Didn't Bruno say that I wanted him
together there one night after dark?
ANNE
Yes.
GUY
Well, that's what's in his mind now.
He's not going to expose himself in
broad daylight, If I can finish off
this match in three sets, I'll still
get there in time.
REYNOLDS, Guy's opponent, enters scene behind Guy's chair.
REYNOLDS
We're on in a few minutes, Guy.
(to Anne)
How are you, Miss Morton.
Anne acknowledges his greeting with a nod.
GUY
Okay, Tim. Be right with you.
Reynolds leaves Anne and Guy rise, and as they walk toward
the stadium, we can see Guy start to speak to Anne in a
whisper.
ENTRANCE TO COVERED STAND ALREADY SHOT
Hennessy and Hammond are standing by.
HAMMOND
Well, if Turley said to pick him up
for questioning, let's pick him up!
HENNESSY
Let him have his game first, Hammond.
HAMMOND
(sourly)
This is the first time I ever waited
for a murder suspect to play tennis
before I pulled him in. When the
boys it headquarters heir about this
they'll send me orchids.
Guy and Anne come into the scene just as the players from
the previous match emerge. They pass through, nodding to
Hennessy.
HENNESSY
Good luck, Guy.
Guy is so preoccupied with his grim doesn't nod to Hennessy
until Anne nudges him.
INSIDE THE STAND MED. SHOT
Anne is reluctant to leave Guy who must now join his opponent,
Reynolds.
GUY
You got it straight?
(ANNE nods)
Just make sure Barbara has everything
ready as soon as the third set starts.
He goes on to the court, and Anna goes to her box.
MED. SHOT
Anne joins Barbara in the box. She starts to whisper
something to her.
LONG SHOT
Guy and Reynolds complete their warm-up as the umpire
announces that Guy is to serve. The game starts.
EXT. ANTONY HOME
A taxi is at the front door. Bruno is descending the steps.
He gets into the cab, which moves off.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH (PROCESS)
Over the shoulder of the announcer WE SEE the game in progress
through the window of his booth.
ANNOUNCER
--It looks like an interesting match
with Haines constantly charging the
net -- not like Haines at all -- to
press so early in the game...
MED. SHOT TEN COURT
Guy and his opponent, Reynolds, in play. Guy scores a point.
CLOSEUP THE UMPIRE
He announces game to Haines.
MED. LONG SHOT
We see the two men change ends and come toward the Umpiri's
chair. Reynolds stops to take a drink of water. Guy, with
an impatient glance at him, moves over to the passing line
and waits, the CAMERA going with him.
EXT. WASHINGTON STREET
A taxicab is seen coming along.
MED. SHOT INSIDE CAB (PROCESS)
Bruno is sitting with in unlighted cigarette in his mouth.
CAMERA MOVES IN until he is in big CLOSEUP. His eyes look
down. There is the SOUND of a click, then, Guy's lighter
comes up into the picture held against the cigarette.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
FADE IN
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS STADIUM
Grouped. A game is in progress.
MED. SHOT
A terrace where people get refreshments. There are various
tables with umbrellas.
MED. SHOT AT ONE OF TABLE (PROCESS)
Guy is seated. He has his rackets with him and is waiting
his turn to start his match. An official is talking to him
but Guy keeps looking around as if expecting someone.
OFFICIAL
Well, at least there'd be a trip to
Australia, if you made it.
GUY
(absently)
We'll know more about that by the
end of the week...
(his face brightens
as he sees Anne)
Anne hurries in, nods briefly to the official who has started
to leave, and sits down.
OFFICIAL
They're close to the finish, Guy
GUY
Be right there.
(turns to Anne)
I was afraid you wouldn't get here.
Wish me luck, darling.
He makes a move as if to follow official toward the stadium,
but Anne puts hand on his arm.
ANNE
(quickly and urgently)
Guy, listen to me, If I sound all
mixed up I can't help it. I -- I'm
scared.
GUY
What about?
ANNE
That's just it. I don't know. It's
Bruno. I talked to him, Guy --
Guy stares at her, takes a quick look toward the stadium,
then gives Anne his full attention.
ANNE
He acted peculiar -- as if he could
put the murder right in your lap,
and not involve himself at all.
GUY
(shaking his head)
He'd drag himself into it, -- and
Bruno loves Bruno. I'm all right so
long as he thinks I have an alibi
for that night.
(noticing the stricken
look on Anne is face)
He knows?
Anne nods slowly.
GUY
(grimly)
Then he'll think of something. He
said he would.
ANNE
Guy, has he anything that the police
could trace to you --
(quoting Bruno)
Any little thing.
GUY
My cigarette lighter. He said once
he could have left it on the islands
as evidence
(a pause)
But he wouldn't do that. Not in
broad day light.
ANNE
(trying to think)
But he's going somewhere, Guy. He
told his mother --
GUY
(tensely)
Metcalf -- did he say Metcalf?
ANNE
No, -- I don't think so. Oh, why
can't I remember -- he said such
crazy things!
GUY
(tensely)
Try to think, Anne!
VOICE
(OFFSCENE)
Guy Haines! -- Reynolds!
While Anne is frantically trying to remember, Guy turns
toward, the stadium and gives a signal of "Be right there."
ANNE
Something about the moon -- he said
he had an appointment with the moon.
Guy's shoulders droop with disappointment.
GUY
That's no help. But I can't take
any chances. I've got to get that
lighter -- somehow.
REYNOLDS, Guy's opponent, ENTERS SCENE behind Guy's chair.
REYNOLDS
Okay, Guy. We're on.
He walks away. Anne and Guy rise, following him.
GUY
I'll have to default.
ANNE
And have Hennessy and that other one
right at your heels?
Guy's expression says she's right, as they walk toward the
stadium.
ENTRANCE TO COVERED STAND
Hennessy and Hammond, the two detectives, are standing by.
HAMMOND
First time I ever waited for a killer
to play tennis before I nabbed him!
(MORE)
HAMMOND (CONT'D)
When the boys at headquarters hear
about this they'll send me an orchid!
HENNESSY
We got our orders. We take him in --
after the match.
Guy and Anne come INTO THE SCENE just as the players from
the previous match emerge. They pass through, nodding to
Hennessy.
HENNESSY
(a little sadly)
Good luck, Guy!
Guy gives him a thank-you nod. Hammond rolls his eyes in
disgust at Hennessy's politeness.
INSIDE THE STAND MED. SHOT
Anne is about to turn to her box but she is reluctant to
leave Guy, who must now join his opponent, Reynolds. As
their eyes hold, in mutual helplessness, Guy suddenly stares
at her with realization.
GUY
The moon! You said he had an
appointment --
Anne looks puzzled as Guy looks up at the sun, then at his
watch.
GUY
Then he is going to Metcalf. But he
has to wait until it gets dark --
(with frantic haste,
he thinks quickly,
then murmurs to Anne)
Listen, Anne, as soon as the third
set starts, tell Barbara --
MED. CLOSE SHOT REYNOLDS
waiting at the bottom of steps to the stand. Guy joins his
opponent, and Anne goes to her box. Guy and Reynolds move
onto the court amid the rounds of applause that greet them.
MEDIUM SHOT ANNE JOINS BARBARA
In the box. She starts to whisper something to her.
LONG SHOT
Guy and Reynolds complete their warm-up as the umpire
announces that Guy is to serve. The game starts.
EXT. ANTONY HOME
A taxi is at the front door. Bruno is descending the steps.
He gets into the cab, which moves off.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
Over the shoulder of the announcer WE SEE the game in progress
through the window of his booth.
ANNOUNCER
It looks like an interesting match --
with Haines out to blast Reynolds
into a fast fight, -- not like Haines
at all -- to press so early in the
game...
MED. SHOT THE COURT
Guy and his opponent, Reynolds, in play. Guy scores a point.
CLOSEUP THE UMPIRE
He announces game to Haines.
MED. LONG SHOT
We see the two men change ends and come toward the Umpire's
chair. Reynolds stops to take a drink of Water. Guy, with
an impatient glance it him, moves over to the passing line
and waits, the CAMERA going with him.
EXT. WASHINGTON STREET
A taxicab is seen coming along.
MED. SHOT INSIDE TAXI CAB
Bruno is sitting with an unlighted cigarette in his mouth.
CAMERA MOVES IN until he is in big CLOSEUP. His eyes look
down. There is the SOUND of a click, then Guy's lighter
comes up into the picture held against the cigarette.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH FOREST HILL
The announcer is broadcasting the progress of the match and
we learn from him that this first set is nearly finished.
LONG SHOT THE COURT
Guy and Reynolds in play.
MED. SHOT
Anne and Barbara sitting in their box watching the play
anxiously.
MED. SHOT
At the entrance to the covered stand. The two detectives
Hennessy and Hammond, are watching. Hammond is bored by
this game.
HAMMOND
Stupid game. You'd never get me
into them short pants. I'd feel
naked.
HENNESSY
(his eyes intent on
the game)
You'd feel naked in an Eskimo suit --
if you weren't wearing your badge.
MED. SHOT
Guy playing hard but holding his own.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds, his opponent, playing back.
LONG SHOT
The big crowd watching.
MED. SHOT
Guy scores point over Reynolds.
MED. SHOT
There is general applause from the crowd in the covered stand
as we HEAR the Umpire's announcement.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S.)
Mr. Haines wins the first set.
EXT. UNION STATION WASHINGTON D.C.
We see Bruno get out of a cab and pass into the depot.
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS
The game in process.
MED. SHOT
A nearer view of the game.
CLOSE SHOT GUY IN PLAY
volleying with Reynolds.
CLOSE SHOT
Reynolds playing the covered stand people are concentrating.
MED. SHOT
Guy misses a point and the game. He and Reynolds make for
the Umpire's chair. We HEAR the Umpire announce.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
Game to Mr. Reynolds. Games are two
all...Second set.
INT. UNION STATION WASHINGTON, D.C.
Bruno is casually waiting for the train. He stands near a
news-stand reading a paper.
INSERT:
We see that the paper is open at the sports page. There is
a picture of Guy among other tennis players. WITH A DISSOLVE
the whole character of this page changes with the exception
of Guy's picture, which becomes surrounded with large type,
announcing the arrest of Guy Haines for the murder of his
wife Miriam. A sub-heading tells of Guy's cigarette lighter
found at the scene of the crime. All this DISSOLVES AWAY
and the page becomes once more the sports section.
CLOSEUP
Bruno looks up with satisfaction.
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS
The crowd watching.
MED. SHOT
Guy and Reynolds in play.
MED. SHOT
Guy playing hard.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds playing back.
CLOSEUP
The Umpire watching the game. Suddenly he announces:
UMPIRE
Game to Mr. Reynolds. Games are
three all... second set.
INT. CLUB CAR ON TRAIN
Bruno is now seated in his accustomed place in the club car.
His gloved fingers are quietly toying with Guy's lighter. A
passenger next to him asks:
PASSENGER
May I have a light, please?
Bruno looks at him for a moment and then at the lighter.
With great deliberation he puts the lighter away in his pocket
and takes out book-matches. Lighting a match, he holds it
to his fellow passenger's cigarette.
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS
The game as seen from under the covered stand.
MED. SHOT
Anne and Barbara very tense.
CLOSEUP GUY
about to serve, looks anxiously across the court.
CLOSEUP THE CLOCK
CLOSEUP GUY
as he serves.
CLOSEUP REYNOLDS
returns.
CLOSEUP BALL
hits the net.
CLOSEUP UMPIRE
announces.
UMPIRE
Second set to Haines. Haines leads
two sets to love.
There is a round of applause. We see the heads of the two
players reach the Umpire's chair. Guy, very anxious still,
as he wipes his neck with a towel.
INT. COVERED STAND CLOSE SHOT ANNE BARBARA
Anne is speaking.
ANNE
If he wins this next set -- you'd
better have everything ready.
(takes bill from her
purse and hands it
to Barbara)
Here -- give the driver this ten
dollars.
BARBARA
(puzzled)
I wish understood what this is all
about!
ANNE
(urgently)
You don't have to understand, just
do it. And for heaven's sake, act
natural.
Barbara nods and goes along.
ENTRANCE TO COVERED STAND
Barbara smiles winningly at Hennessy as she goes through.
Her interpretation of "acting natural" is exaggerated and
rather comical. Hammond's eyes narrow as he looks after her
suspiciously.
LONG SHOT
The game in progress. Guy starts the next set. He serves.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds returns.
MED. SHOT
Guy volleys.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds puts the ball in the air.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy smashes.
CLOSE SHOT
The ball hits the net.
CLOSEUP UMPIRE
UMPIRE
Love fifteen.
LONG SHOT THE CROWD
We HEAR the smash of the ball and the voice of the Umpire.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S.)
Love thirty.
CLOSEUP ANNE
looking very worried. Again the call of the Umpire.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S.)
Double fault. Love forty.
INT. THE ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
The announcer telling his listeners that Guy Haines seems to
be a little reckless.
ANNOUNCER
-- Haines hasn't let up his terrific
pace for an instant, smashing every
(MORE)
ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
ball with a recklessness we've never
seen in his playing. It's beginning
to look as if he doesn't care whether
he wins or loses because he's in a
hurry - an awfully big hurry ---
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. METCALF STATION
We see Bruno alight from the train. He makes his way in the
direction of the town.
MED. SHOT METCALF STATION
As Bruno comes toward us, he stands on the sidewalk and then
takes the lighter from his pocket once more. At this moment
a hurrying passenger on his way to the depot accidentally
jogs Bruno's elbow. The lighter flies from his hand.
CLOSE SHOT
We see it fall through the bars of a grating by the sidewalk.
CLOSEUP BRUNO
looks down in dismay.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT
The game in progress. Guy and his opponent playing hard.
Guy misses a point. We HEAR the Umpire's call.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Game to Mr. Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds
leads five games to three in the
third set.
EXT. METCALF STATION
Bruno is leading a porter toward the grating, pulling him by
the arm. They reach the drain.
BRUNO
Down there -- my -- my cigarette --
(catches himself --
not wanting to say
"cigarette lighter")
case. It's very valuable.
PORTER
(peering down)
Down here?
BRUNO
You've got to get this grating up
right away.
Two passersby enter.
FIRST PASSERBY
What's the trouble?
BRUNO
(yelling)
Can't we do something...!
(to passerby)
I dropped my cigarette case.
PORTER
(looking down)
Mightn't be any good, mister.
Probably gone down the storm drain.
BRUNO
(horrified)
Storm drain?
FIRST PASSERBY
On the other hand, it might have
lodged on the edge.
SECOND PASSERBY
Don't they have a trap down there --
like under a sink?
BRUNO
(excited)
Don't just stand here -- do something!
PORTER
(calmly)
Guess we could phone the city
engineer, all right.
(MORE)
PORTER (CONT'D)
Worst he could do would be to tell
me to take a running jump and --
(Bruno grabs his arm.
Porter shakes Bruno
off)
Relax, mister.
BRUNO
I don't want to relax.
He goes on his knees and forces his arm down the drain.
INT. THE ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH FOREST HILLS
ANNOUNCER
(with great excitement)
This is more than a tennis game,
ladies and gentlemen -- it's a
desperate fight with Guy Haines
playing as if his life depended on
it!
MED. SHOT
Guy is volleying.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds lobs.
CLOSEUP
Guy smashes.
CLOSE SHOT
Reynolds lobs again.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy smashes.
CLOSE SHOT
Reynolds misses and the ball hits inside the line.
CLOSEUP
The Umpire calling.
UMPIRE
Game to Mr. Haines. Mr. Reynolds
leads five games to four...third
set.
EXT. METCALF STATION MED. SHOT
A few more passersby have stopped to watch Bruno, whose arm
is pushed through the grating.
CLOSEUP
Bruno's face -- straining.
CLOSEUP
Under the grating Bruno's hand is groping. His fingers are
a long way from the lighter.
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS
with the game in progress.
MED. SHOT EXT. CLUB
A taxi has pulled up. Barbara gets out.
CLOSE SHOT
She takes the ten dollar bill from her purse and passes it
to the driver. She gives a final look inside the cab.
CLOSEUP
On the seat are Guy's everyday pants, laid out.
MED. SHOT
Barbara hurries out of the picture toward the club.
LONG SHOT
The crowd watching.
CLOSEUP
The tense face of Anne.
CLOSEUP
The Umpire is somewhat impressed.
INT. THE ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH CLOSEUP
The announcer is telling his listeners that the score is now
six-five in favor of Haines. That he has pulled up
wonderfully and only needs one more game to win the match.
EXT. COVERED STAND ENTRANCE
Barbara, very nervous but trying to "act natural", passes
Hennessy and Hammond. Hammond's eyes again follow her, but
Hennessy is intent on the game.
MED. SHOT FEATURING BOX
As Barbara joins Anne, she gives her a surreptitious signal
by ringing her thumb and forefinger, indicating everything
is set.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy now playing hard.
CLOSEUP
His racket smashing at the ball.
CLOSEUP
Reynolds and his racket hitting the ball back.
CLOSEUP THE UMPIRE CALLING
UMPIRE
Advantages, Mr. Haines.
CLOSEUP
Guy serving.
CLOSEUP
His ball hitting the racket.
CLOSEUP
The ball in the net.
CLOSEUP
A second ball hitting the net. The Umpire's voice calling:
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Duece!
EXT. METCALF STATION
A LOW SHOT ON Bruno bent over the grating and the onlookers
behind him.
BIG HEAD CLOSEUP BRUNO
straining and panicky.
CLOSEUP
Under the grating, Bruno's fingers get near the lighter, and
in their groping, they knock the lighter off the ledge, onto
the ledge below.
CLOSEUP
Bruno's horror-stricken face.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT
Guy still playing.
CLOSE SHOT
Barbara standing with Hennessy, watching. We HEAR the score.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Advantage, Mr. Reynolds.
CLOSEUP ANNE
unable to bear the suspense. She glances O.S.
MED. SHOT
The waiting cab.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy and Reynolds in play.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Score is deuce.
CLOSE SHOT
Reynolds serves.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy volleys. He waits for the return ball. He misses it.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Advantage, Mr. Reynolds.
EXT. METCALF STATION
ANGLE SHOOTING THROUGH the grating at CLOSEUP BRUNO'S HEAD
AND SHOULDERS staining.
CLOSEUP
Under the grating, Bruno's fingers go lower and lower,
straining to reach the lighter, which is still a few inches
out of reach.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT
Guy is volleying with Reynolds.
INT. ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
He is very excited.
ANNOUNCER
-- Haines hasn't let up for a moment.
If he wins this set, he wins the
whole match!
CLOSEUP ANNE AND BARBARA
in their box. They are extremely tense.
MED. SHOT
Guy slams hard a shot that wins him the game.
LONG SHOT CROWD
applauding and shouting.
CLOSE SHOT ANNE AND BARBARA
At an urgent signal from Anne, Barbara hurries out as if she
knew what she had to do.
LONG SHOT
Guy shakes hands with his opponent, and then hurries across
to Anne in the stand. He leans over the front of the box.
While congratulating him outwardly, she whispers something
to him. He leaves his racket with her and hurries away.
MED. SHOT STAND ENTRANCE
A block of people leaving cut off Hennessy's view. Barbara
tries desperately to keep his attention off Guy.
BARBARA
(breathlessly)
Isn't it wonderful, Mr. Hennessy?
He won! It calls for a celebration.
Anne says you must have dinner with
us. Just the family, and you, and
Guy.
HENNESSY
(awkwardly)
Sorry I can't make it. Business.
BARBARA
But Guy is your business. You'll be
with him, won't you?
HENNESSY
(a little grimly)
Yeah -- I'll be with Guy.
MED. SHOT
Guy moving along the front of the stand making for another
exit.
CLOSE SHOT
Barbara takes it for granted that Hennessy will accept her
invitation.
BARBARA
Guy says you love steak -- rare,
Medium, or well-done?
HENNESSY
I sure wish I could --
SEMI CLOSEUP
Hammond is looking off. He calls into the stand.
HAMMOND
Hennessy!
He points off toward Guy.
MED. SHOT
Guy is hurrying toward the public entrance of the stand.
SEMI CLOSEUP
Hennessy and Hammond move off, leaving a dismayed Barbara.
SEMI LONG SHOT
Guy hurrying under the stand toward the waiting cab.
MED. SHOT
The two men hurrying after him.
EXT. CLUB
Guy goes to the waiting cab and gets in. The cab moves off.
MED. SHOT
The two men hurry out of the club and stand helplessly looking
after the departing cab. They hurry out of the picture.
CLOSE SHOT
We see them grab another car. It is a chauffeur-driven
limousine. Hammond jumps in front and seats himself beside
the driver. Hennessy hops in the back. The car moves off.
...continue to part 8
